5 KEYS TO NEVER BACKSLIDE IN FOLLOWING THE LORD

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The Christian journey is not always smooth. At times, we may struggle, feel stagnant, or even fall into sin. However, momentary struggles (what some may call “stumbling”) are different from backsliding.

Stumbling refers to temporary struggles where we may lose momentum but ultimately get back up and grow stronger.

Backsliding, on the other hand, means completely turning away from God, abandoning our faith, and returning to our old ways.

So how do we prevent backsliding and stay strong in our walk with the Lord? Let’s explore five biblical principles to help us remain steadfast.

Genesis 5:24
“Enoch walked with God; then he was no more because God took him away.”

The Bible tells us that Enoch walked with God consistently until the end of his life. His example reminds us that the key to avoiding backsliding is to stay in step with God daily.

Galatians 5:7
“You were running well. Who stopped you from obeying the truth?”

Paul warns that backsliding is not always caused by circumstances alone—there are often external influences (spiritual or physical) that try to pull us away from faith.

There are three main enemies that can cause backsliding:

1. The World – The temptations and distractions of this world can weaken our faith.
2. Satan and His Demons – The enemy actively works to keep us from following God.
3. Ourselves (The Flesh) – Our own sinful desires can lead us astray.

Let’s break these down and learn how to overcome them:

1. The World: A Trap for the Soul

1 John 2:16
“For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.”

The world constantly tempts us with pleasures, riches, and distractions. The prodigal son is a clear example of this (Luke 15:11-32). When he had wealth, he forgot about his father and indulged in worldly pleasures. It was only when he was broken that he returned home.

Likewise, when we chase after the world, we risk drifting away from God.

2. Satan and His Demons: Spiritual Warfare is Real

Ephesians 6:12
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

Satan’s goal is simple: to pull us away from God. From the beginning, he deceived Adam and Eve, leading to sin entering the world. He continues to work today, using lies, temptations, and distractions to weaken our faith.

This is why we must put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:11) and stand firm against the enemy’s schemes.

3. Ourselves (The Flesh): The Struggle Within

2 Peter 2:20-22
“If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and are overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning… A dog returns to its vomit, and a sow that is washed returns to her wallowing in the mud.”

Our biggest enemy can sometimes be ourselves. The sinful nature (the flesh) constantly fights against the Spirit. Without relying on God’s strength, we will fall back into old habits.

The battle against the flesh will only be fully conquered when we are glorified in eternity. Until then, we must crucify the flesh daily (Galatians 5:24).

Romans 10:17
“Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

Matthew 7:24
“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”

The Word of God is our foundation. It strengthens our faith and equips us to resist temptation. If we feed our spirit with God’s Word daily, we become spiritually strong and resistant to backsliding.

Hebrews 10:25
“Let us not neglect meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encourage one another.”

Christianity is not meant to be a solo journey. We are part of the body of Christ, and just as soldiers are stronger in battle together, so are we when we fellowship and worship with other believers.

When we are struggling, the prayers, encouragement, and accountability of fellow Christians can help us stay strong.

1 Peter 5:7
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”

Prayer is how we stay connected to God. Worship realigns our focus on Him instead of our problems.

When we pour our hearts out to God and praise Him, we are reminded of His goodness. This strengthens our faith and keeps our relationship with Him alive.

2 Timothy 2:22
“Flee from the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace.”

1 Thessalonians 5:22
“Abstain from every form of evil.”

The best way to avoid sin? Stay away from temptation in the first place.

If certain places, people, or habits lead us into sin, we must cut them off. Being aware of our weaknesses and taking action to avoid falling into sin is key to remaining strong in faith.

John 4:32-34
“My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work.”

When we minister to others, we remain spiritually engaged and focused on God. Teaching, serving, and sharing the Gospel helps us grow and stay accountable.

Seeing others grow in their faith motivates us to continue our walk with the Lord.

Galatians 5:7
“You were running well. Who stopped you from obeying the truth?”

The Christian life is not a sprint—it’s a marathon.

We must be intentional in our efforts to grow closer to God. Whether facing temptations, spiritual battles, or struggles within ourselves, we can overcome through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Jude 1:24
“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before His presence with great joy.”

By following these five keys—staying in God’s Word, fellowshipping, praying, fleeing from sin, and sharing our faith—we can guard our hearts and never backslide.

May we continue to walk with God daily, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).